Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare  (DFSRH)

 

 

The method for obtaining the DFSRH changed as of 1st January 2010.  For those who have completed the old theory course and still need to obtain their clinical experience on the old scheme, information on how to do this is available on the faculty website .  The following is a brief summary on the set-up and process for the new diploma.  Full details on the new diploma can also be found on the faculty website .

 

Essentially the diploma is split up into 3 stages;

1)                  E-portfolio theoretical learning modules

2)                  The ‘Course of 5’

3)                  Clinical experience and assessment

 

E-portfolio:

The new diploma is underpinned by an innovative e-learning package (e-SRH) developed in conjunction with the Department of Health’s e-learning for Healthcare.  There are a range of modules covering a broad range of theoretical subjects including contraception, sexual behaviour, and STI testing and screening.   It is estimated that there is a total of 20 hours of e-learning but in reality it can take longer than this – an important point to remember when booking your ‘Course of 5’.  In order to obtain access to the e-portfolio you must first register with the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare at a cost of £50 via the faculty website  in ‘Stage 2 – this form’ .  You will then receive an e-mail with your e-portfolio log-in details.  If you have already got a log-in username and password for the e-GP system, you will need to revert back to these instead.  For those of you who would like to use the e-modules for your own learning but are not interested in completing the full diploma – you can access the modules simply via e-GP at anytime without having to register with the faculty.  Registration is required however to access the other components of the training to complete the diploma.

 

The ‘Course of 5’

After completing your e-learning modules you will then attend the ‘Course of 5’.  Although you can apply for the course before completing the modules, you must have finished them by the time you attend it – so factor this into your planning.  You will also need to bring with you signed certificates of the basic competencies required for the diploma which include general history taking, PV examination, IM injections, and smears.  The forms for these are found on the e-portfolio.  The ‘Course of 5’ comprises five one hour sessions that can be taken as a one day course or individually (although I have not seen any details of individual sessions on the faculty website).  On the day you will be put into groups of four or less and be expected to participate in facilitator led interactive discussions which will put into practice the theoretical knowledge you have gained from the e-learning modules.  The ‘Course of 5’ is available across the country and details can be found on the faculty website in ‘Stage 4 – contact details’ .  You may also hear about some smaller, more local courses (that can be cheaper) that do not appear on the website from your course administrator.

 

Clinical experience and assessment:

After completing the e-learning modules and the ‘Course of 5’ you will be ready to apply for the clinical practical component of the diploma.  You need to arrange this by contacting your nearest faculty approved clinician – the details of which can be found on the faculty website in  Stage 5 – contact details

It is expected that with the new diploma process and the intensive theoretical training component, trainees will be better prepared for the clinical stage and the process will be generally more efficient.  Trainees should be able to complete the assessments in fewer sessions thereby decreasing the waiting lists that had become such an obstacle on the old scheme.    

 

Once you have completed the three components you will be able to make your application for the DFSRH.